Katie Slee, a 24-year-old traveler from Perth, Australia, shared her frightening solo hike in Italy’s Dolomites, which went viral on TikTok. Despite her confidence, unexpected snowiness and steep terrain caused panic. After overcoming these challenges alone—she reflected positively on her strength and plans to hike again.
A TikTok video showcasing a female solo traveler’s distress during a hike in Italy has gone viral, amassing over 3.1 million views since its posting on May 6. The traveler, Katie Slee, 24, from Perth, Australia, shared her story about a challenging hike in the Dolomites in Val Gardena, where she encountered unexpected difficulties while hiking alone while her mother stayed behind.
In the video, Slee expresses her excitement before the hike, not realizing the extent of the challenges ahead. Despite researching the hike, she was unprepared as she did not bring proper hiking gear, relying on her casual attire. She describes finding the trail blocked by thick snow, which she had not anticipated, leading to a growing sense of panic as the hike progressed.
Slee reflected on her previous solo hikes, which had gone well, making her feel confident about this adventure. However, conditions deteriorated, and she faced steep and slippery terrain, especially in her sneakers. After meeting two locals who lent her shoe spikes, she continued the demanding path, only to find her mental strength waning as she encountered panic-inducing circumstances.
A change in weather forecasts heightening her anxiety, coupled with the realization that returning would mean facing hours in darkness, contributed to her panic. She described how seeing a crucifix statue along the path intensified her fears, causing her to cry out in distress, yet she continued determinedly despite all odds, resolving not to call for assistance.
Slee ultimately completed the challenging hike, racing the last leg once she reached stable ground. Although she initially vowed never to hike again after this harrowing experience, she returned to the mountains months later, hiking with companions without any anxiety. Reflecting on her experience in the Dolomites, she acknowledges a newfound pride in her perseverance and resilience, expressing a desire to explore more hikes in Italy in the future.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
